Fecal incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of a person’s stool. It is considered to be a fairly common ailment and can also be embarrassing. Some of the common causes of this condition of fecal incontinence include muscle damage. This damage is done to the internal or the external sphincter. These are the circular or ring like muscles that are at the final end of a person’s rectum. These muscles are the ones that help in keeping a person’s stool inside. When the muscle gets damaged then it is not able to hold back the stool which then starts to leak out. Damage could also be due to delivery that occurs through the vagina. Even hemorrhoid surgery can lead to the damage of these muscles. Nerve damage, chronic constipation or diarrheas are some of the other causes of this condition.
Treatment For Fecal Incontinence
There are various ways in which one can treat this condition. The main remedy is diet. One should maintain a food diary and then post a fecal incontinence episode one will possibly be able to identify which foods might be the cause of this condition. A person suffering from this condition needs to eat plenty of fibers. Fibers are found to add bulk to a person’s watery motions. Some of the foods that cause this ailment include alcoholic beverages, artificial sweeteners, and caffeinated products, some fruits like apples, pears and peaches. Also spicy foods, smoked meats and greasy, oily food can cause this condition. Even dairy products like milk, cheese and ice cream could lead to this condition. To improve the condition one could include bananas, bread, rice, oatmeal, peanut butter, potatoes, tapioca and pasta as these are fibrous and are known to add bulk to the stools. People who suffer from this condition should remember to eat plenty of small and nutritious meals. Larger meals are known to cause a condition of diarrhea as they lead to the contraction of the bowels. One should avoid drinking any fluids while eating. One should preferably drink at least half an hour before or after a meal. But drinking plenty of water and fluids is extremely essential. This helps in staving off dehydration and also helps in keeping the stools soft and well formed. Some times it is possible to do some bowel training exercises. This helps one to control the bowel movements. Even practicing exercises like the kegel exercises can help in strengthening and controlling the bowel movements.